The large Thames river in London overlooking the Westminster Palace and the Big Ben clock tower in London, United Kingdom, on a cloudy evening after sunset

The climate of London

London has mainly a temperate oceanic type of climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb) with warm summers and cold winters. Inner London borders towards a humid subtropical climate as the urban heat island effect warm the city up to 9 degrees more than the surrounding areas. London's large area is responsible for creating microclimates.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, lies on the Thames River in the southeast of England. The topography consists of hills, plains, rivers, lakes, and marshlands with an elevation of approximately 11 meters above sea level. The River Thames divides the city into north and south parts as it provides excellent navigability from west to east.

Summers are warm and comfortable with the average high of 23.3°C (73.9°F) at the peak of July. Winters tend to be cool as the temperatures rarely drop below freezing - the average low is about 2.2°C (36°F) in the coldest month of February. Spring is mild and wet, while autumn is breezy and pleasant. Although London has the image of a perennially wet city, the annual precipitation is only to the tune of 635mm (25"), with an even rainfall distribution throughout the year. Snowfall is approximately 457.2mm (18"), mostly in the form of light snowflakes, while moderate snowfall is possible during a severely cold year. Frost is common during the winter nights and fog envelops the city regularly.

London registers around 1500 hours of annual sunshine as overcast skies often rule the roost. The humidity levels are high as the air tends to hold a high amount of moisture and the rain seems to be always ready on the horizon. London sits on a lower elevation in the Thames Valley and regularly faces the risk of flooding.

The record high temperature for London is 38.1°C (100.6°F), set in the heat wave of 2003, while the coldest temperature on record is -16.1°C (3°F), set in January 1962.

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The best time to visit London

The best time to visit London spans across the spring, summer, and autumn: the period from mid-May to mid-September is pleasant with warm temperatures and long days.The temperatures are in the range of 10°C (50°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). Rain is light and the weather changes by the minute - wait for the passing of an unforeseen shower, and the sun will readily occupy its place in the sky shortly. London rarely gets hot or sees many days over 35°C (95°F) during the summer months.

The worst time to visit London

London weather is mild for the majority of the year, and the conditions rarely border on the extreme. The worst time to visit London is around December to February during the winter when the conditions are cold. Temperatures drop during the nights, which are sometimes freezing. The snowfall is in minor quantities, but frost is common during the nights and the days are often dark and gloomy. Cold fronts may plummet the temperatures, while fog makes a regular appearance during the winter season.

Weather hazards

London is prone to droughts, floods, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and landslides. Central London area is low lying and prone to floods during periods of heavy rain due to the vicinity of the Thames River. Storms are frequent due to the mixing of the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Polar currents. The Jet Stream adds to the mix creating unstable weather conditions in the region. Earthquakes occur at alarming rates, but the majority go unnoticed due to their low intensities.